East Bridgewater Zoning Board Scrutinizes Revised Plans for 240-Unit Housing Development
Developer reduces apartment count, adds parking spaces but faces questions about building design and affordable unit distribution
EAST BRIDGEWATER - February 12 - The East Bridgewater Zoning Board continues to review plans for a comprehensive 40B housing development, with developers presenting modified plans that reduce the total number of apartment units while increasing parking spaces across the project.
The development, which includes both apartments and townhomes, has been revised to decrease apartment units by 20 while adding approximately 90 parking spaces. However, board members express concerns about building heights, basement designs, and the distribution of affordable units.
Attorney Peter Freeman, representing the applicant, explains the major changes include removing the top floor from two apartment buildings, reducing them from four stories to three. The modifications affect phases two and three of the project.
"After the last hearing, it was suggested that we agree to have a workshop with the professionals," Freeman says. "The quick summary is that we've reduced the apartment part of the project by 20 units."
The development team has also added garage parking beneath buildings in phase four, though this modification will result in slight increases to building heights. Project engineer Deb Keller confirms the garage spaces will be approximately 75% below grade.
Board members raise concerns about the lack of detailed building plans showing these modifications. Lynne Sweet, the board's technical assistant, emphasizes the need for more comprehensive documentation.
"We have not seen any plans for the changes in the buildings. Therefore, we don't know what type changes are, and that also affects the waiver list," Sweet notes.
The project's parking continues to fall short of town requirements. Traffic peer reviewer Steve Shekari reports that even with the increased parking, the development does not meet town bylaws or planning board recommendations for phases two, three, and four.
Each unit will receive two assigned parking spaces, with some configured as tandem spots where one car parks behind another. Board members question the practicality of this arrangement and the lack of dedicated visitor parking.
Questions also arise about the distribution of affordable units throughout the development. Sweet expresses concern about potential disparities between market-rate and affordable units, particularly regarding basements.
"I'm concerned that the affordable units are not going to end up with basements and the market rate units are going to end up with basements," Sweet says.
The developer maintains that preliminary plans showing unit distribution have received state approval, though board members note these plans show duplexes rather than the currently proposed triplexes.
Rob Celiberti, representing the development team, explains that final approval from the state's Department of Housing and Community Development will come after the comprehensive permit process.
"Prior to starting this process, we had to get a project eligibility letter with DHCD," Celiberti says. "When we did that, I had to submit exactly which units and which townhouses and which apartments are going to be assigned affordable with a designation."
Residents raise concerns about traffic impacts, particularly along Winter Street. Sharon Woodward, a Winter Street resident, questions the timing of traffic studies.
"I still have a concern about the traffic. I'm not sure of what time of day that study was done, but you're welcome to come by my driveway at any hour. Traffic is insane," Woodward says.
The board schedules its next hearing for March 12 at 7:15 p.m., requesting updated building plans and clarification on several issues, including:
- Detailed elevation drawings showing building heights
- Complete plans for triplex units including basement designs
- Updated affordable unit distribution plans
- Revised waiver requests reflecting building modifications
The development represents part of the town's efforts to increase its affordable housing stock, which currently stands at 3.9% of total housing units. The project would designate 25% of both apartments and townhomes as affordable units.
The board emphasizes that while progress has been made on several issues, including fire department access concerns, additional documentation is needed before moving forward with approval decisions.